30 jobs in Portsmouth and Fife thanks to new BAE Systems contract with US Navy

BAE Systems has been awarded a £87m contract to manufacture and deliver remote-controlled Archerfish mine neutralisers for the US Navy until 2027.

It will mean 30 high-skilled jobs secured in Portsmouth and Fife.

Dr Brooke Hoskins, director of products and training services for BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, said: ‘This contract builds on our strong partnership with the US Navy which has seen BAE Systems supporting its minesweeping operations for almost two decades.

‘Archerfish not only helps to keep sailors safer, it also reduces the number and cost of mine clearance missions. Its world-leading capability and outstanding service with the US Navy makes Archerfish a highly attractive proposition to other major naval forces around the world.’

Archerfish uses a fibre optic data link to give operators real-time, high resolution, low-light video and high frequency sonar pictures of targets of interest.

The design reduces the time it takes to identify and neutralise targets and also eliminates the need to put divers into the water.

The contract also includes the supply of fibre optic spool kits, support equipment, surveys, repairs and programme management and support, which will be provided by the Archerfish project team based in Portsmouth.

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Archerfish is used by the US Navy’s MH-60S Helicopter squadrons (AN/ASQ-235) as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralisation capability, deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship.

This is the fourth consecutive Archerfish contract awarded to BAE Systems since 2003.

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